Nothing Ventured

Aarish Shah - EmergeONE

In conversation with the people who make the start-up world go round. Join Aarish Shah as he talks to founders, investors, and operators across the tech and venture ecosystem exploring some of the lesser-heard stories and challenges they've faced as they try to build the future.https://nothingventured.tech/Follow Nothing Ventured on socialTwitter https://twitter.com/NVPodFacbook https://www.facebook.com/NothingVenturedPodTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingventuredpodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nothingventuredpod/

  1. HACE 17 H

    Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Joe Knowles, a partner at Smedvig Capital. Joe shares insights from his diverse background as an Airbus engineer, investment banker, and startup founder. He discusses Smedvik's unique approach to venture capital, emphasizing patient capital and a focus on integrity and founder trust rather than chasing hype cycles. The conversation explores the reality of the power law in venture capital, highlighting that while there are thousands of VC-backed companies in Europe, a small number account for a significant portion of exit value. Joe also addresses the advantages of being a single LP fund, the importance of execution in the commoditized tech landscape, and the need for improved physical infrastructure in Europe to support ambitious growth. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the venture capital landscape and the future of value creation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Joe Knowles and Smedvig Capital. 00:00:42 - The Reality of the Power Law in Venture Capital 00:01:24 - The Golden Age for Value Creation and Commoditisation of Code 00:01:50 - Aarish Shah's Background and Podcast Introduction 00:02:33 - Joe Knowles' Background and Recommendations 00:03:11 - The Power Law Myth and Its Impact on Venture Returns 00:05:44 - The Symbiotic Relationship Between Outliers and Middle-Tier Companies 00:07:23 - The Importance of Good Outcomes for the Ecosystem and Economy 00:08:56 - Venture-Backed Companies in Europe: Key Statistics 00:10:25 - The Overlap Between Power Law Strategies and Middle-Tier Strategies 00:11:18 - Can VCs Pursue Both Power Law and Middle-Tier Strategies? 00:13:24 - The Impact of AI and Software Costs on Venture Capital 00:17:06 - The Reckoning in AI and Its Impact on Venture Capital 00:19:58 - The Shift in Venture Capital Strategies Due to AI and Market Dynamics 00:21:50 - The Role of Single LP Funds and Family Offices in Venture Capital 00:23:37 - The History and Structure of Smedvig Ventures 00:25:18 - Dependence on a Single LP and Fund Size Discipline 00:27:09 - The Branding and Messaging Challenge of Single LP Funds 00:28:41 - The Trend of Family Offices Entering Venture Capital 00:31:09 - The Flexibility of Single LP Funds in Exits and Returns 00:33:02 - The Importance of IRR and Flexibility in Single LP Funds 00:35:12 - Understanding Venture Capital from a Founder's Perspective 00:37:19 - The Opacity and Decision-Making in Venture Capital 00:38:07 - The Commoditisation of Code and Its Impact on Venture Capital 00:41:01 - The Importance of Speed and Non-Code Moats in Venture Capital 00:45:09 - The Role of Domain Expertise and Market Niches in Venture Capital 00:47:05 - The Augmentation of Coders and the Contextual Nature of Expertise FindJoe Knowles online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-196a896b/ Twitter: https://x.com/joeknowlesuk / https://x.com/smedvigventures Smedvig Capital: https://smedvig.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h y 11 min
  2. 11 SEP

    Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders

    On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish is joined by leading voices in venture capital — each bringing their own unique story, perspective, and vision for the future of investing. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Quick Fire with Irena Spatzapan 00:01:15 - Systemic Capital Overview 00:01:44 - Exciting Companies in Systemic Capital's Portfolio 00:02:25 - Quick Fire with Dan Pandeni-Iwenga 00:03:48 - Building the London Venture Capital Network (LVCN) 00:04:44 - Overview of LVCN 00:05:58 - Quick Fire with Ollie Harris 00:06:50 - Building Dream Ventures 00:07:23 - Overview of Dream Ventures 00:08:09 - Exciting Companies in Dream Ventures' Portfolio 00:09:28 - Quick Fire with Harry Morgan 00:10:29 - Overview of 7% Ventures 00:11:15 - Exciting Companies in 7% Ventures' Portfolio 00:11:38 - Quick Fire with Marcus Clover 00:12:11 - Building Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV) 00:12:39 - Overview of ERV 00:13:19 - Exciting Companies in ERV's Portfolio 00:13:46 - Quick Fire with Dr. Andrea Issoni 00:14:41 - Building AI Technologies 00:15:37 - Overview of AI Technologies This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    17 min
  3. 4 SEP

    Aarish: What moves them most

    In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish shares deep concerns about the future of humanity, expressing fears over influential figures like Donald Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, whom they view as emblematic of our darker animal instincts. The discussion emphasises the ongoing battle between our primal nature and our humanity. Drawing inspiration from iconic leaders like Gandhi and Mandela, the host advocates for a collective embrace of compassion and understanding, urging listeners to set aside differences and prejudices in favor of recognising the beauty of our planet and each other. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on the choice between perceiving the world as hostile or friendly, echoing Einstein's poignant final words. With a personal touch, the host also reveals their background as an engineer and their journey from a reluctant relationship with literature to embracing the power of human connection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to prioritise our humanity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Emotional Concerns 00:00:11 - Fears About World Leaders 00:00:45 - Humanity vs. Animal Instincts 00:01:08 - The Importance of Humanity 00:01:29 - Choosing Between a Hostile and Friendly World 00:01:59 - Personal Reflections on Emotions 00:02:09 - The Role of Poetry in Bridging Thoughts and Feelings 00:03:32 - Family and Emotional Connections 00:04:21 - Value of Human Interaction 00:04:53 - Emotional Impact of Family Moments 00:05:38 - Desire for Recognition and Impact 00:06:23 - Cultural and Religious Influences on Giving Back 00:07:06 - Aspirations for Success and Generosity 00:07:59 - Family as a Driving Force and Legacy This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    9 min
  4. 28 AGO

    Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions

    In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish explores the concept of self-determinism and the chemistry of decision-making. They question the common narrative that attributes success solely to tenacity and drive, examining the role of luck and external circumstances in shaping our lives. Through insightful reflections, the discussion delves into how factors like family background, gender, and race significantly impact one's opportunities and successes. Aarish challenges listeners to consider the extent of their control over decisions and the differences between self-determinism, free will, and agency. Join us for a deep dive into the complexities of personal agency and the forces that influence our paths in life. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Contrarian Convictions: Self-Determinism vs. Luck 00:02:10 - The Importance of Free Speech 00:03:38 - Making Conscious Choices in Decision-Making 00:04:49 - Cynicism as a Tool for Optimism 00:05:52 - The Balance of Leadership: Empowerment vs. Direction 00:07:25 - The State of the US and Global Dynamics 00:10:01 - American Exceptionalism: A Diminishing Belief 00:11:44 - Migration Trends: US to Europe 00:12:31 - The Case Against Human Colonisation of Mars 00:14:13 - Robotics vs. Human Labor in Manufacturing 00:16:00 - Learning Through Experience: The Value of Menial Tasks 00:19:04 - The Role of Hardship in Building Resilience 00:20:34 - Consciousness vs. Intelligence in Society This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    22 min
  5. 14 AGO

    Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Harry Morgan, principal at 7% Ventures, to explore the complexities of investing in climate and deep tech startups. Harry, a former founder turned investor, discusses the challenges of tackling world-shaping problems and the often uncomfortable realities of venture capital, including its tendency to amplify privilege over opportunity. The conversation delves into the unique dynamics of climate investing, highlighting the longer time frames and smaller exits compared to software ventures. Harry emphasises the crucial role of government in determining national priorities and de-risking scientific advancements. He also shares insights on the necessity of bias in venture capital, advocating for a trained approach to backing exceptional founders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of investment, innovation, and social impact. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Harry Morgan from 7% Ventures 00:00:42 - Overview of Today's Episode Topics 00:01:28 - State-Educated Founders and Funding Stages 00:02:26 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Purpose 00:02:36 - Harry Morgan's Journey from Founder to Investor 00:03:02 - Lessons from Founding a Startup 00:04:31 - Transition from Journalism to Investing 00:05:04 - Balancing Science and Commercial Aspects in Deep Tech 00:05:58 - Importance of Founder Ambition in Deep Tech Investments 00:06:44 - Indexing on Technological Step Change and Founder Execution 00:07:28 - Early Stage Financial Models and Product-Market Fit 00:08:39 - Building a Business vs. Building Revenue 00:09:52 - Specialization vs. Generalization in Founding Teams 00:10:55 - Adaptability and Generalization in Founding Teams 00:11:13 - Importance of Commercial Knowledge in Founding Teams 00:12:02 - Venture Capital's Role in Solving Multi-Decade Challenges 00:13:17 - Market Timing and Structural Challenges in Climate Tech 00:14:39 - Hedging Against Market Timing Risks in Deep Tech 00:15:19 - Execution Risks in Deep Tech Investments 00:16:45 - Government Regulation and Market Timing Risks 00:17:52 - Technology Success vs. Company Failure 00:18:39 - Differentiation Beyond Climate Impact 00:19:26 - Viewing Climate as a Horizontal Rather than a Vertical 00:20:32 - Government's Role in Supporting Innovation 00:21:12 - Economic Benefits of Climate Innovations 00:22:23 - Challenges with Government Grants and Procurement 00:23:28 - Importance of Government Contracts Over Grants 00:24:08 - Issues with Innovate UK and Grant Flywheels 00:25:35 - Government's Role in De-Risking Science 00:26:25 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in the UK 00:27:29 - Zombie Businesses and the Fear of Failure 00:28:45 - Social Mobility and Venture Capital 00:29:55 - Diversity in Venture Capital: Performative or Real? 00:30:54 - Checking Biases in Venture Capital 00:31:39 - Social Mobility Ventures: Creating an Alternative Flywheel 00:33:20 - Redefining Terminology Around Social Mobility 00:34:24 - Levelling Privilege and Access to Opportunities 00:35:17 - Supporting Underprivileged Founders to Take Risks 00:36:32 - Levelling the Playing Field in Access to Resources 00:37:03 - Systemic Problems in Social Mobility 00:38:41 - Education System and Entrepreneurship 00:39:35 - Celebrating Big Successes and Failures 00:40:34 - Social Mobility Ventures: Goals and Timescale 00:41:39 - Inclusivity in Social Mobility Ventures 00:42:49 - Celebrating Self-Made Success Stories 00:44:06 - Changing the Problems Entrepreneurs Solve 00:44:48 - Focus on Inclusion in Angel Investing FindHarry Morgan online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryemorgan/ Twitter: https://x.com/7pcventures / https://x.com/harryemorgan 7percent Ventures: https://7pc.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1 h y 5 min
  6. 7 AGO

    Andrea Isoni: CFOs - You're Safe from AI - For Now

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Dr. Andrea Isoni, Chief AI Officer at AI Technologies and lead author of the influential State of AI report. Together, they dive into the often misunderstood world of artificial intelligence, exploring its practical applications and the potential pitfalls that accompany its use. Andrea discusses the financial implications of implementing AI, particularly the necessity of investing in cybersecurity. He emphasises that while AI may change the landscape of employment, it is unlikely to lead to mass unemployment, prompting a need to rethink job roles rather than entire jobs. The conversation also touches on the emerging hacker economy and the importance of maintaining skepticism towards AI systems, which are not 100% trustworthy. Andrea reassures CFOs that their positions are secure for now, as AI is more about enhancing tasks than replacing entire jobs. Tune in for a candid discussion that cuts through the hype surrounding AI and addresses its real-world implications. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:51 - AI and Cybersecurity Spending 00:01:12 - Employment and the Hacker Economy 00:01:44 - Trustworthiness of AI Systems 00:01:58 - Human vs. Synthetically Generated Data 00:02:09 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Information 00:02:53 - AI Delusion and Marginal Improvements 00:03:44 - Beneficiaries of AI Hype 00:05:00 - AI Sentience and Job Loss Concerns 00:07:08 - Future Job Market and Employment Concerns 00:08:20 - Investment in AI and Startup Hype 00:10:12 - High-Risk, High-Return in AI Investments 00:12:06 - Competitive Landscape in AI Development 00:13:04 - Practical Challenges with AI Tools 00:14:17 - Future of Work and Hacker Economy 00:16:07 - Shift to Fractional Consultancy Model 00:17:31 - Specialisation and Knowledge-Intensive Work 00:18:45 - Assurance and Human Role in AI Systems 00:19:55 - UK Employment and Up-skilling Opportunities 00:20:23 - Nationwide AI Up-skill Programs 00:22:14 - Emotional Reactions to AI Adoption 00:23:16 - Augmentation vs. Replacement by AI 00:25:00 - Effort and Long-Term Benefits in AI Era 00:28:49 - Misconceptions About AI Sentience 00:29:45 - Ethical Concerns in AI Deployments 00:32:33 - AGI and ASI Definitions and Implications 00:34:50 - Science and Error in AI Systems 00:35:01 - Human Role Behind AI Systems 00:37:17 - Regulation and Control in AI Development 00:40:13 - Democratisation of AI Access 00:43:07 - Practical Example: AI in Legal Judgments Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaisoni20/ Twitter: https://x.com/theandreaisoni AI Technologies: aitechnologies.co This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1 h y 19 min
  7. Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture

    31 JUL

    Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Arish Shah sits down with DDan Pandeni Idhenga, co-founder of the London Venture Capital Network, one of the fastest-growing venture communities in the UK. Dan shares his diverse journey from Namibia to New York and London, with experiences at J.P. Morgan, AIG, and successful startups like Confirm. The conversation delves into the challenges of accessing the venture capital ecosystem, the intricacies of scaling an events business while maintaining its unique charm, and the importance of educating the next generation of venture professionals. Dan discusses the reality check many face when entering VC, delineating three archetypes within the industry: the researcher or analyst, the community builder, and the investor. He also addresses the perceived flaws in the UK's venture model and emphasises the positive culture he aims to foster within the London Venture Capital Network. Tune in for insights on building connections between aspiring VCs, seasoned investors, and ambitious founders. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured and Dan Pandeni Idhenga 00:01:04 - The Opaque VC Ecosystem and Access 00:03:05 - Transitioning to Community-Based Business 00:04:57 - Vision for the London Venture Capital Network 00:07:37 - Scaling While Preserving Quality 00:09:07 - Identifying the Secret Sauce of Events 00:10:40 - Differentiating LVCN from Other Events 00:12:47 - Building a High-Quality Community 00:15:05 - Lessons from the Namibia Startup Investor Forum 00:18:08 - The Importance of Experimentation in Community Building 00:21:41 - Engaging Students and Young Professionals in VC 00:22:37 - Tools for Breaking into Venture Capital 00:24:16 - Understanding the Three Archetypes in VC 00:27:08 - The Importance of Networking and Writing 00:30:19 - Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital 00:34:19 - Startup Experience vs. Direct Entry into VC 00:40:19 - Adjusting LVCN's Approach to Industry Changes 00:44:57 - The Value of Startup Experience for Aspiring Investors Find Dan Pandeni Idhenga online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danidhenga/ Twitter: https://x.com/DanIdhenga London Venture Capital Network: https://www.londonvcnetwork.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1 h

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In conversation with the people who make the start-up world go round. Join Aarish Shah as he talks to founders, investors, and operators across the tech and venture ecosystem exploring some of the lesser-heard stories and challenges they've faced as they try to build the future.https://nothingventured.tech/Follow Nothing Ventured on socialTwitter https://twitter.com/NVPodFacbook https://www.facebook.com/NothingVenturedPodTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingventuredpodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nothingventuredpod/